“We are particularly hopeful that the Egyptian government will take this opportunity to implement political, economic and social reforms that will answer the legitimate interests of the Egyptian people,” she said

The United States backs the authoritarian government of Hosni Mubarak.

Radio Free Europe reports Wednesday’s protests “were the largest protests against Mubarak since his authoritarian regime came to power three decades ago.”

They also report the Muslim Brotherhood, Egypt’s largest opposition movement, has been largely absent from the protests.

Liz Leslie is a journalist based in Bloomington, Indiana. As an associate Web producer for WFIU, Liz maintains the Muslim Voices Twitter and Facebook as well as writes for the blog. She also contributes to Earth Eats.More posts by this author »